Hughes won't blame Robinho

23 March 2009 08:15

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes handed his backing to under-fire Robinho after watching his side continue their excellent recent home form with a 1-0 win against ten-man Sunderland at Eastlands.
The Brazil international had a weak first-half penalty saved and produced another lack-lustre display, but Hughes continues to have faith in the big-money signing.
He said of Robinho's penalty miss: "He was confident enough to take the ball and try and score - he wants to make a positive impact, he's always of that frame of mind.
"He's disappointed that he wasn't able to put the penalty away, but he kept on trying and had good opportunities in the second half as well. The desire to make amends for the miss was there for everyone to see.
"In the end it wasn't crucial, so we're happy enough. I think he played cat and mouse with the keeper. On occasions, if the keeper - who's a big guy - chooses the correct side, there's a chance he may be able to stop it.
"There was a bit of kidology going on, the keeper guessed right and he saved it. That happens.
"I don't have a view on how they take penalties - as long as they score! The only thing is that if it comes to a shoot-out, it's better to smash them because tiredness takes a little bit of your power away and there's the likelihood they could be saved."